In the heart of County Limerick, a fantastic cycling trail awaits: the Limerick Greenway, recently shortlisted in the 2025 Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards.
Spanning 40km through picturesque Limerick countryside, this off-road trail offers a smooth, easy ride and a journey through the history of this special part of The Treaty County.
Built along the old Limerick to Tralee railway line, the greenway seamlessly connects the three market towns of Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale, providing an accessible spin for cyclists of all levels. Of course as cyclists we need to be aware of other Greenway users, be they walkers, runners, children or cyclists of varying abilities.
The Route and Its Surface
The Limerick Greenway is renowned for its immaculately smooth and well-maintained tarmacadam surface, making it a joy to cycle on and suitable for all types of bikes. The Greenway runs along a route designed to accommodate the old steam trains, so gentle gradients are a key feature meaning no hard climbs to worry about . This makes for a leisurely and manageable ride, perfect for families, beginners, and seasoned cyclists alike. The route is entirely traffic-free, creating a safe and peaceful environment to explore the West Limerick landscape. You can choose to tackle the full 40km in one go or break it down into shorter, more manageable sections, with multiple access points available.
Points of Interest
The greenway, like so many on our beautiful island, isn’t just a trail; it’s a living history lesson. As you pedal along you’ll encounter a wealth of fascinating points of interest that tell the story of the region.
The journey from Newcastle West to Barnagh is a definite highlight. It’s on this section that you’ll cross the impressive Ferguson’s Viaduct, a magnificent cast-iron bridge and a testament to Victorian engineering. Shortly after, you’ll pass through the legendary Barnagh Tunnel, a 115-meter brick-lined passage, also an engineering feat of its time. Exiting the tunnel, you’ll reach the Barnagh Greenway Hub, which offers stunning panoramic views of the Golden Vale and beyond. The village of Templeglantine, en route, has a rich history in Irish music and is considered part of the Sliabh Luachra area, which has a distinctive traditional musical style all of its own.
Further along, the trail meanders through serene woodlands of Tullig Wood, haven to a rich variety of native trees and wildlife and offering a tranquil escape into nature, perfect for a relaxing pitstop.
Cycling history buffs will appreciate the various restored railway stations and the medieval ruins scattered along the route, including Desmond Castle in Newcastle West and the 12th-century Augustinian Friary in Rathkeale, founded in the mid-15th century by Edmund Butler. The old railway station in Rathkeale, now the Irish Palatine Heritage Centre, provides a unique insight into a little-known part of Irish history and tells the story of German Protestant settlers who arrived in Ireland in the 18th century.
In Ardagh, you can visit the old station house, close to the spot where the Ardagh Chalice was found in 1868.
Where to Stop for a Coffee
A good cycle needs a great coffee stop,of course, and the Limerick Greenway doesn’t disappoint. The aforementioned Barnagh Greenway Hub is an essential pitstop, home to Platform 22 Café. Here, cyclists can refuel with delicious coffee, homemade treats and hearty meals. The hub also has bike hire, a playground, and even crazy golf, making it a perfect spot for cycling families as a destination or the ideal spot to take a break.
The towns along the route also offer plenty of options, though you might have to leave the actual Greenway to avail of some of these. In Abbeyfeale, you can grab a brew at Tea and Tales, a cozy spot in the town square. Meanwhile, Newcastle West and Rathkeale, the larger towns on the route, boast an array of cafes, pubs, and restaurants to suit every taste, ensuring you’re never far from a well-deserved break and maybe a chat with a friendly local or other Greenway explorers. Maybe even a sneaky pint of something zero zero, of course: drunk and in charge of a bicycle is quite possibly still on the statute books!
One for the Bucket List
The Limerick Greenway offers a chance to connect with West Limerick’s rich historical heritage and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re in it for a full-day ride or a relaxed afternoon spin, whether you’re into wild woodland or historical buildings and incredible Victorian engineering, this greenway provides an accessible and rewarding outdoor experience. Its smooth tarmac surface, historical landmarks, towns with welcoming bars and coffee shops make it a bucket list greenway, worth travelling for. At 40km, it’s doable in a day for fitter cyclists or if you have a few days, the Greenway can be done in bite size sections, there are a number of starting points located along the route.